Red Sox win despite Buchholz’s struggles

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Clay Buchholz was shaky in his spring debut for Boston, giving up three hits and three walks in 11/3 innings as the Red Sox beat the Baltimore Orioles 8-7 Sunday.

Buchholz allowed four runs, one of them earned. He is set to be Boston’s No. 2 starter behind newcomer David Price.

Hanley Ramirez, who is moving from left field to first base, went 2 for 2 with an RBI and a steal.

“He’s doing an outstanding job thus far,” Manager John Farrell said of Ramirez. “He’s running hard. A stolen base here today when he picks out a little bit of a tendency of the guy on the mound. He’s doing what we anticipated or hoped.”

Shortstop Xander Bogaerts hit leadoff for the Red Sox and went 2 for 2 with a walk, scoring a run and driving in one. Rusney Castillo also had two hits and drove in a run.

Christian Walker drove in two runs for the Orioles.

Buchholz wasn’t sharp – throwing 42 pitches, 20 for strikes – but a limited arsenal in his first spring start was a factor.

“First time out there in eight months or so,” he said. “Went out there knowing that I was going to throw (only) fastballs (and) changeups today, which made it a little bit difficult because I set up a couple of guys for a curveball or a cutter at points and they’re all knowing I’m only throwing two pitches.

“Tried to make those pitches a little too good in certain situations. I feel like the ball is coming out of my hand good. Body felt good. Just missed location on a couple of pitches. I was more down than up.”

Orioles starter Mike Wright gave up two runs on four hits and a walk in two innings.

“I located really well, but they got me a few times,” he said. “But as far as how I felt and my location, I was pretty happy with it.”

South Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim continues to look for his first Grapefruit League hit for the Orioles. He went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and is 0 for 16 in five games. He has not drawn a walk yet, either, after walking 101 times in 141 games in South Korea last season.

NOTES: Ryan Flaherty of Portland drew three of the Orioles’ seven walks and scored a run. He’s hitting .545 (6 for 11) with a home run. … Baltimore left-hander T.J. McFarland left the game because of a tender elbow, Manager Buck Showalter said. … Ozzie Martinez, who collided with fellow infielder Garabez Rosa in the sixth inning, will be evaluated for concussion-like symptoms. … Red Sox left-hander Henry Owens will get the start in Monday’s game against Tampa Bay. The Rays will send lefty Matt Moore to the mound.

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